The ophthalmologist explained the danger of smoke and smog for vision

Smog and smoke cause dryness and irritation of the eyes, said ophthalmologist Tatyana Shilova. The presence of impurities, combustion products or tobacco smoke in the atmospheric air or indoors adversely affects the ocular surface, the expert says. According to her, this is called corneal syndrome, leading to burning, redness, pain and itching.

“First of all, the cornea of ​​the eye, which is the first in contact with the outside world, suffers. There are no vessels in it, so it must maintain transparency, smoothness and shine, ”Shilova said in interview publication “Evening Moscow”.

If the air contains impurities, there is a danger of secondary signs of a “dry eye”. People who wear contact lenses are susceptible to it, since their use disrupts metabolic processes in the cornea and absorbs substances that are in the air, the doctor explained. The lenses absorb toxins and heavy metals from combustion products, which causes hypoxia – lack of oxygen – in the cornea. Such symptoms often occur in those suffering from diabetes, hematological diseases, taking hormonal drugs. Such categories of people already have problems with dry eyes, a lack of tears, and smog and smoke exacerbate them.

“If there are fumes and other substances in the external environment, it is imperative to bury moisturizing drops and only then leave the house. Such a tool mechanically cleanses the eye and restores the tear film, normalizes metabolic processes in the organ, as a result, the sensation of a foreign body disappears, ”Shilova said.

People wearing contact lenses will benefit from laser vision correction, the doctor said. And you can and should get rid of irritation of the cornea of ​​​​the eyes with the help of eye gymnastics.